In spite of its name, Los Tres Ojos is actually four lakes inside an enormous subterranean cave predating Columbus’ arrival by several thousand years.  Believed to have been a ritual well used by indigenous Indians, the cave was discovered by American explorers in 1916, but it would be several more decades before the Three Eyes would be declared a national monument by Dominican authorities.  Today visitors descend a steep staircase into a thriving terrarium-like environment of lush tropical vegetation and dank humidity. 

Several viewing platforms look onto the crystalline waters of the first three lakes, live stalagmites hanging overhead.  The fourth, and most impressive, is a large limestone sinkhole.  Surrounded by dense vegetation and inhabited by various animal species, the image of the remote cuarto ojo resembles a setting for a Tarzan movie, the hand-pulled raft (RD$10) used to ferry passengers across the water punctuating the jungle effect.  Consider combining a trip to Los Tres Ojos with a visit to nearby Columbus Lighthouse.